Star Wars #60

Star Wars #60 is the penultimate issue of “The Escape” storyline. After multiple issues of taking each other’s measure, Clan Markona and the Rebellion (Han, Luke, Leia, and their droids) finally make an uneasy alliance. In the end, it is a matter of honor for Markona’s leader, Thane. Overall, Star Wars #60 is an issue that improves the story from the prior four issues of the series.

Taking the Measure of a Man or Rebellion

Star Wars #59 ended with Luke and Sergeant Kreel, of the Imperial SCAR Squadron, on the verge of a trial of combat. Before they come to blows, Tula Markona gives Luke a romantic kiss and a warning: don’t escape, there would be grave consequences. This is a ruse. Tula slipped Luke a smoke grenade and essentially told him to flee to the clan’s graveyard. There, Luke encounters Thane.

The clan leader is also in on the ruse. Once Luke fled, Thane feigned a desire to participate in the hunt for the young Jedi. However, he lost SCAR Squadron and met with Luke privately at the grave instead. During their meeting, Thane confides in Luke. Just as Luke and his friends were testing Thane and his clan, he was testing them as well. The good news is that Luke and the Rebellion passed. Luke’s bravery and loyalty impressed the Thane. So did Han’s mercy. The destruction of Alderaan by the Death Star never set well with Markona. However, he needed to make sure of the Rebellion before he got his people back into the war.

Blood on His Hands

It is now time for Thane to repay a debt. In Star Wars #60, Thane finally answers the question of what he did to get a moon from the Empire. The truth is, Thane Markona didn’t know what he did exactly. The Empire hired him and his clan to “gather data from a secure location.” Even though he doesn’t know what this data is, he feels that he has blood on his hands.

It is somewhat disappointing that this mystery has been teased for multiple issues, and now there is no resolution. Thane played coy with Luke. It was an obvious source of distrust between the men. Most likely, this isn’t the last readers have heard of this development. Although this particular plot line isn’t resolved here, it will likely feature in future issues of Star Wars. Until then, readers can only speculate. As for this reviewer, the plans for the second Death Star that James Luceno’s Catalyst novel suggested seem a decent possibility.

Making Amends

While Luke meets with Thane, Tula frees Han, Leia, and the droids from the remaining Imperial soldier. Once they are free, they head to a settlement rendezvous point. As Thane put it to Luke, they are leaving Hubin. This isn’t an escape, but instead the execution of a long running plan. Only the Markona’s droid remains behind, and he awaits the day Clan Markona might return.

However, that return will be without Thane Markona. In an effort to make amends to the galaxy and atone for the blood for which he feels a responsibility, he stays behind to buy Luke time. This decision costs him his life. He fights well, and he takes at least one member of Kreel’s SCAR Squadron with him. The Thane also delivers a stinging rebuke to Kreel: Luke would have thrashed him in the duel.

Tule ascends as the new head of Clan Markona. Thane left it to her to their people into a new age. Their retirement was only temporary after all. They couldn’t escape the war.

Concluding Thoughts on Star Wars #60

Issues #56 through #59 were fine Star Wars stories. Thane Markona’s actions in response to the arrival of the Empire in Star Wars #60 improve the entire story arc. The level of urgency rose. In addition, the duel, although short, between Luke and Kreel was a highlight. Luke’s skills with a lightsaber have improved considerably since Kreel, posing as the Gamemaster, tutored him in Grakkus the Hutt’s arena back in Star Wars #10. SCAR Squadron lingers like a bad nightmare. Their fate is left open at the conclusion of this issue with their abandonment on Hubin. However, they are likely to return to haunt and hunt Luke and his friends in the future.

The Rebels escaped Hubin with their Markona allies on SCAR Squadron’s ship. Their story isn’t over yet, and the final panel of the issue promises a conclusion in Star Wars #61.

Dennis Keithly is a graduate of the University of Missouri, North Texas attorney, husband, father of two, and co-host of Starships, Sabers, and Scoundrels. In addition to Star Wars, Dennis is a fan of science fiction, fantasy, and super heroes in general. When not engaged in fictional universes, Dennis is reading a good book or watching the NHL, football, or studying the NFL draft.